Knowing Amina Wadud, The First Woman Who Led Friday Prayers in the US and UK, Now Settled in Yogyakarta
YOGYAKARTA, KOMPAS.COM – A citizen of the United States (US) descent Africa, Amina Wadud -who chose to write her name with the letters small, according to Arabic letters that do not recognize capital letters- to be the first woman to lead Friday prayers in America and England in 2005 and 2008.
Her name is known to the public as Lady Imam.
However, long before that, in 1992 he had made a breakthrough with wrote the book Quran and Woman . In the book, Amina interprets Quran from a womens perspective on various topics, such as the significance of women in the Quran, as well as the role and rights of women in Islam.
MUSLIM CELEBRATE BIRTHDAY
I dont do it to be first at anything, or be a leader for anyone. I just really care about my relationship with the Quran and its difference with the reality that I naturally, for example in the Muslim community, said Amina.
Now he chooses to stay in Indonesia. To BBC Indonesia and BBC journalist specializing in religious affairs in Beirut, Lebanon, amina recounts his journey to embrace Islam, and his efforts to achieve Islam gender justice. Not only for women and men but also non-binary in the Islamic context.
I will be celebrating my 70th birthday this year, as well as 50 years embraced Islam, he said.
I feel so lucky, I found something that makes I fell in love, and 50 years later the love and charm is not ever faded.
HEALTHY LIVING
BORN IN A PRIVATE FAMILY IN THE UNITED STATES
Entering Aminas residence in Yogyakarta, BBC was greeted by a table in front of the entrance that displayed a variety of objects.
I am an eclectic Muslim, said amina who chose her name to be written in all lowercase, because he said, not even Arabic recognize capital letters.
On the table are some crystals, tarot cards, tree symbols life in Buddhism, symbol of Judaism with the name of his grandson who is of Jewish descent, as well as a photo of his mother and siblings his dead daughter.
